174,000 Tonne Bulker Floods Off Vietnam: Reef Strike Suspected
The Merchant Mariner took on water in three ballast tanks after slowing near a reef 15 nm off Dung Quat port.
A capesize bulker carrying 174,000 tonnes of Malaysian iron ore has been anchored off Vietnam after experiencing flooding in multiple ballast tanks. The Merchant Mariner reported water ingress while approaching Dung Quat port, forcing authorities to intervene.
The crew alerted Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority at 11:30 AM on Friday, confirming flooding in three ballast tanks. The incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles from Dung Quat, where the vessel had been navigating waters with isolated depths as shallow as 18 meters. Tracking data revealed the ship abruptly reduced speed from 10.5 to 5 knots during this transit.
Incident details and vessel condition: merchant mariner flooding
By Friday evening, the bulker’s stern draft had increased to 19.7 meters, significantly deeper than its initial 18.4-meter draft upon arrival. Authorities instructed the crew to secure tank valves as a precaution, while a tug stood by to assist if needed. All 24 crew members remain unharmed, and inspections confirm no water has entered the cargo holds or caused environmental damage.
Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority has directed the vessel’s master and the Hoa Phat ore terminal to devise a safe offloading plan. The bulker, still loaded with its iron ore cargo, remains anchored north of Dung Quat as authorities assess the situation. No timeline has been provided for the operation, which must account for the ship’s damaged condition.
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